The Chinese Consulate-General in Johannesburg hosted a reception on Friday evening, October 9, to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), reaffirming the growing partnership between China and South Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at The Leonardo in Sandton, Chinese Consul-General Pan Qingjiang welcomed government leaders, diplomats, business representatives, academics, media, civil society organisations and members of the Chinese community.
He expressed appreciation to all those who have supported China’s development and the strengthening of China-South Africa relations over the years.
Among the dignitaries present were Gauteng Provincial Legislature Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe; Gauteng MECs Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and Evan Botha; Free State MECs Ntombizanele Sifuba and Monyatso Mahlatsi; Executive Mayors members of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures, representatives of provincial and local government, political parties, business, academia, the media, non-governmental organisations and the Consular Corps.
Pan said China had made remarkable progress over the past 77 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, achieving rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. He said China’s economy had exceeded 140 trillion yuan in gross domestic product last year and would continue pursuing innovation-driven, high-quality development while improving the livelihoods of its people.
He also highlighted China’s role in promoting global peace and development through initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation and improving global governance.
Reflecting on relations between the two countries, Pan said China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. He noted that China’s direct investment stock in South Africa exceeds US$11.7 billion, while bilateral trade has surpassed US$53.5 billion. Nearly 300 Chinese enterprises are operating in South Africa, contributing to industrial development and job creation.
He further highlighted that, from 1 May this year, China implemented zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, including South Africa, creating new opportunities for South African exports into the Chinese market.
CG Pan also praised growing cooperation between China and Gauteng and the Free State, noting that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero had all recently visited China to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He said the Year of China-Africa People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges had further strengthened cultural understanding through educational, community and youth initiatives, with the Consulate-General committed to expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The Consul-General concluded by proposing a toast to the prosperity of both China and South Africa, the continued growth of bilateral friendship and sub-national cooperation, and the health and happiness of all those in attendance.
The People’s Republic of China was founded on 1 October 1949 when Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the new state in Beijing following the victory of the Chinese Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War.
The founding of the PRC marked the beginning of modern China under communist rule, replacing the Republic of China government on the Chinese mainland. Since then, 1 October has been observed annually as China’s National Day and remains one of the country’s most significant public celebrations.
